Extra-time try seals European Challenge Cup thriller

FT Gloucester 36 London Irish 34 (after extra time)

James Forrester’s extra-time try sealed Gloucester a dramatic victory over London Irish in the European Challenge Cup final at the Twickenham Stoop.

London Irish had staged a dramatic late comeback from 31-19 down to level the scores and force extra time with tries in the last 11 minutes from Olivier Magne and Robbie Russell.

Barry Everitt, whose last-minute conversion had sailed wide, put London Irish into the driving seat with a penalty eight minutes into extra time.

But Forrester, the Gloucester number eight, emerged the hero by chasing down his own kick forward to score the decisive try.

Everitt pushed London Irish into the lead for the first time since the 12th minute.

It lasted until just a minute into the second period when Allan’s break pushed London Irish onto the back foot and Forrester, the number eight overlooked by England, showed superb footballing skills to score Gloucester’s fourth try.

Everitt, who had been so accurate throughout the game, missed a penalty shot with three minutes remaining and Gloucester held on to lift the trophy.